I know this blog is about Yellowstone Art Boutique and the artwork that we sell but I'm here to write a personal blog post to share some exciting news-

STEVIE AND I ARE ENGAGED!!!

Steve proposed last Saturday (27th June) while we were visiting my favourite beach, in Aberdovey. It's a special place to me and my family as we've been every summer since I was born and I have a heap of memories there. And now I have one BIG, happy memory to add to the list! We had a wander around, bought some food and took a blanket to sit in the sand dunes for a picnic. The sun was shining and once we'd eaten, we got chatting about our future together. Then all of a sudden, I noticed Steve get down on one knee and get out a black box...and that's when I forgot how to breathe..!I couldn't believe it was happening but I was SO happy and excited at the same time. It was perfect. I started to cry as soon as I tried to speak (what a wet lettuce) and I think I said "YES" before the question had even finished. Apparently I grabbed the ring too but I can't remember that bit. Hah! It was the most lovely, simple and romantic moment of my life. No fuss, just a whole load of love.

As we walked along the beach, to let it all sink in, I wanted to know all about how he'd planned it and how he'd chosen the ring. Turns out the ring was HANDMADE and he'd been planning it since April, which is when we did BCTF in Harrogate and had a stand opposite Ellie Air Jewellery. I've known Lauren (of Ellie Air) for a few years, and we proudly stocked her jewellery in Yellowstone. Spending 4 days together, we got on like a house on fire, and unbeknown to me, Steve had spent some of the final day asking how she makes rings and if she'd be able to make an engagement ring for him, after no luck finding what he wanted on the high street. Lots of photos, ideas and emails later my ring was ready. And BOY is it perfect. I'd never known which style of engagement ring I'd wanted- because I hadn't ever found one that I knew was right. But between them, they created it. Lauren avoided speaking to me over those months because she was terrified she'd subconsciously hint. She was the only person that knew about Steve's plans so she was under pressure! I'm so glad that she made it, as we both love her, and Lauren's craftsmanship is so flawless that it just adds another level to the ring I will wear for the rest of my life. It has a rubbed over setting, so it won't catch when I'm serving in the shop or making work, but it is cut out at the front and back so that side on, you can see the whole diamond. Lauren took this photo of the diamond before it was set in to the ring and I'm so glad she did.

I've kept it quiet and off social media while we told our best friends and family but I've been so excited to share it with all of you. My Mum also had an amazing card made for us by Katie of Oh Squirrel (pictured above with badges with our names on!) so both her and Lauren have both been sworn to secrecy until I could write this blog.

So there we go, we're getting married! As you can probably guess I'm insanely excited about planning a lovely day to represent our relationship and future marriage. God only knows what I'll paint for the stationery though!